January transfer window news & rumours LIVE: Arsenal ask about James loan

Real Madrid believe they can snap up Christian Eriksen for around a fraction of his value this summer, according to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/2019/01/17/primera/1547740397_428881.html?m1=cG9ydGFkYV9wb3J0YWRh&amp;m2=QUNUVUFMSURBRA%3D%3D&amp;m3=Mw%3D%3D&amp;m4=bm9ybWFs" target="_blank">AS</a>. The European champions have been coveting the Denmark international for a long time, but have been discouraged by Tottenham's €250 million (£220m/$284m) asking price. However, with Eriksen's contract expiring in 2020, Madrid believe Spurs will have to lower their expectations as the expiration date gets closer and believe they could wrap up his signing for between €50m (£44m/$57m)&nbsp;and €75m (£66m/$85m).

Real Madrid eye bargain €50m Eriksen deal

Spanish side willing to wait on Spurs star's price to drop

Barcelona are hoping to lure Atletico Mineiro defender Emerson to Camp Nou in January, but face competition from at least 13&nbsp;other clubs for his signature. <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20190122/454232496711/rico-emerson-barca.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>&nbsp;claims the Spanish champions have already contacted the 20-year-old right-back, but they are not the only suitors. His agent has listed the clubs already determined to land his client, they are:&nbsp;Liverpool, Arsenal, Watford, Juventus,&nbsp;Inter, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Borussia Dortmund, Lille,&nbsp;Valencia, Betis,&nbsp;Porto and Shakhtar.

Barca compete with 13 clubs for Emerson

Juventus, Arsenal & Liverpool among the candidates

Arsenal have reached out to Real Madrid regarding a loan for James Rodriguez, according to <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-latest-james-rodriguez-real-madrid-bayern-munich-loan-watch-video-live-now-a8738431.html">the Independent.</a> The Colombian is set to return to the Spanish club at the end of the season following an extended loan with Bayern Munich, who could still sign the midfielder. Real Madrid's preference is to use the midfielder as part of a deal to sign Christian Eriksen, while the player himself wants to stay and fight for a place with the Real Madrid squad.

Arsenal contact Real Madrid over James loan deal

Manchester City have accepted that Paris Saint-Germain have won the race to sign Frenkie de Jong, according to <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/21/manchester-city-concede-defeat-to-paris-saint-germain-over-ajax-star-frenkie-de-jong-8369704/">Metro</a>. Pep Guardiola and co. have all but given up hope of signing the Ajax star, who had been seen as a replacement for Fernandinho in midfield. PSG are willing to double Manchester City's initial wage offer and, with Barcelona also still lurking, a move for the Dutch star is proving too costly for the reigning Premier League champions.

Man City concede defeat for De Jong

PSG are set to win the race to sign the Ajax youngster

Reading have confirmed the loan signing of Portuguese striker&nbsp;Nelson Oliveira from Championship rivals Norwich. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a> are delighted to announce Nélson Oliveira has joined the club on loan from <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwichCityFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NorwichCityFC</a> until the end of the season. ✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ol%C3%A1Oliveira?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OláOliveira</a> — Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/1087809700496883713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reading sign Oliveira

Major League Soccer expansion club&nbsp;FC Cincinnati are close to signing&nbsp;midfielder Caleb Stanko from&nbsp;SC Freiburg,&nbsp;multiple sources have confirmed to&nbsp;Goal. Stanko will fill the&nbsp;defensive midfield role Cincinnati had originally earmarked for&nbsp;Osvaldo Alonso, who ended up signing a free agent contract with Minnesota United instead. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/sources-caleb-stanko-set-to-sign-with-fc-cincinnati/1ig78o6277c6q1py4w6e04wr4l" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal.</a>

FC Cincinnati close to sealing midfielder deal

Napoli are set to complete the signing of midfielder&nbsp;Pablo&nbsp;Fornals from Villarreal, according to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/villarreal/20190122/454265671479/pablo-fornals-se-marcha-al-napoles.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo.</a> The 22-year-old has a €30million (£26.2m/$34m) release clause in his contract but it's believed Carlo Ancelotti's side will&nbsp;pay&nbsp;just under that figure. Spain international Fornals, who joined&nbsp;Villarreal from Malaga 18 months ago, has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this month.

Napoli close in on Fornals signing

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard has announced he will retire at the end of the&nbsp;2019 Major League Soccer season. The United States international, 39, has enjoyed a distinguished career that saw him feature at Manchester United and Everton, as well as star at the World Cup for his national side. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/howard-announces-retirement-after-2019-season/nz611tf7oqp019ax35xd59y3s" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal.</a>

Howard to retire at end of 2019 season

Paris Saint-Germain are to hold talks with&nbsp;Leandro Paredes'&nbsp;agent this week ahead of a proposed move from&nbsp;Zenit Saint Petersburg, according to <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/mercato-psg-cette-precision-de-taille-sur-la-piste-leandro-paredes-430159" target="_blank">Le10sport.</a> Thomas Tuchel's desire to sign a midfielder this month has been made more urgent following an injury to&nbsp;Marco&nbsp;Verratti. That has prompted the French champions to step-up their pursuit of Argentina international Paredes, who has also been linked with Chelsea.

PSG to step-up Paredes chase

New York City FC have extended their loan of midfielder Ebenezer Ofori from&nbsp;VFB Stuttgart until December 31. The 23-year-old first moved to New York last February and went on to make 28 appearances for the MLS side. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> VfB Stuttgart and <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCFC</a> have reached an agreement to extend Ebenezer Ofori's loan at the <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLS</a> club until 31 December 2019. VfB wishes Ofori all the best for his continued stay in New York. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VfB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VfB</a> <a href="https://t.co/aIHbSVSXNJ">pic.twitter.com/aIHbSVSXNJ</a> — VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) <a href="https://twitter.com/VfB_int/status/1087758386760962049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ozeri loan extended

Crystal Palace defender Jairo Riedewald has turned down a move to Real Betis as he wasn't guaranteed a first-team place, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://eldesmarque.com/sevilla/real-betis/1136553-el-motivo-de-riedewald-para-rechazar-al-betis" target="_blank">ElDesmarque.</a> Riedewald has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season and so is expected to move on this month in search of regular first-team football. The Dutchman was also linked with Celta Vigo but that deal looks to have collapsed following their signing of Wesley Hoedt from Southampton.

Riedewald snubs Betis move

Cesar Azpilicueta's future at Chelsea is in jeopardy with the club pursuing a deal for&nbsp;Napoli's Elseid Hysaj, according to the <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/755108/Chelsea-news-Maurizio-Sarri-transfer-plot-spells-the-end-for-Cesar-Azpilicueta?" target="_blank">Daily Star.</a> Maurizio Sarri is looking to reshape his squad during the January transfer window after a run of four defeats in nine Premier League matches. That includes a move for&nbsp;Albanian international Hysaj, who played under Sarri at Napoli, with the deal potentially resulting in&nbsp;Azpilicueta being moved on.

Azpilicueta Chelsea future in doubt

Barcelona and Arsenal have ended their talks over midfielder Denis Suarez, according to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20190122/454267030418/barca-arsenal-denis-suarez-negociones-rotas.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo.</a> The two clubs had&nbsp;been in discussions over a deal that would see the 25-year-old head to Emirates Stadium on loan. However, an agreement has not been reached and it now seems Suarez will remain at Camp Nou until at least the end of the season.

Barcelona end Suarez talks

Crystal Palace are considering a deal to re-sign&nbsp;winger Yannick Bolasie from Everton, according to <a href="https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-london-club-prepare-formal-move-to-re-sign-everton-player/" target="_blank">Football Insider.</a> The 29-year-old returned to Goodison Park earlier this week after electing to cut his season-long loan at Aston Villa short. Bolasie spent four years at Selhurst Park before moving to the Toffees for £25million in the summer of 2016.

Crystal Palace eye Bolasie return

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> NEWS: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VWFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VWFC</a> acquire experienced Spanish midfielder Jon Erice. → <a href="https://t.co/zY1Dh3S6WV">https://t.co/zY1Dh3S6WV</a> <a href="https://t.co/A1I4Ll9Fll">pic.twitter.com/A1I4Ll9Fll</a> — Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhitecapsFC/status/1087765385753972737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Whitecaps add veteran midfielder Erice

Barcelona&nbsp;coach Ernesto Valverde has defended the arrival of Kevin-Prince Boateng, telling the media they have been critical of "all" signings during his tenure as coach.&nbsp; Boateng completed an unlikely loan switch from&nbsp;Sassuolo&nbsp;on Monday, with Barca also having the right to purchase him for €8million (£7m/$9.1m)&nbsp;during his stay. The shock nature of the move has led to criticism of it, but Valverde pointed out media coverage of Barca's signings during his time at the club has generally been negative, yet few have been deemed failures. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/you-say-all-signings-are-controversial-valverde-defends-boatengs-/12j14syt2jbyq1pf9s9gont07j" target="_blank">Read the full story here on Goal!</a>

Valverde defends Boateng signing

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed the club's attempt to sign Matt Polster will come down to whether he can secure a work permit. The American defender/midfielder has been on trial with the club and the manager had previously Rangers were trying to sign him to a long term contract. At his news conference on Tuesday, Gerrard added: "I've said before, Matt Polster's very close. That'll depend on a work permit situation."

Rangers wait for work permit for Polster

Marko Arnautovic has been told he can leave West Ham this summer if a suitable offer comes in for the striker, reports the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/22/west-ham-assure-unsettledmarko-arnautovic-can-leave-summer-suitable/" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>. The striker wanted to force a move to Shanghai SIPG for £36 million ($47m) but the Hammers blocked his exit as they have been unable to find a replacement. The offer from Shanghai has now been withdrawn, and while the club has offered a possible summer exit, they hope Arnautovic changes his mind and elects to stay.

Arnautovic told he can leave West Ham in the summer

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">📝 Hull City are delighted to confirm the loan signing of midfielder Marc Pugh from <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afcbournemouth</a>. ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/58pCFyJAt8">https://t.co/58pCFyJAt8</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeMarc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeMarc</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hcafc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hcafc</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theTigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#theTigers</a> <a href="https://t.co/yEsYdZblma">pic.twitter.com/yEsYdZblma</a>— Hull City (@HullCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/HullCity/status/1087771879442649089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hull City announce Pugh

West Ham have made a late approach for Mario Balotelli as the striker nears a deal with Marseille, according to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Premier-League/22-01-2019/mercato-balotelli-spunta-west-ham-sara-ritorno-premier-320579385227.shtml" target="_blank">Gazzetta dello Sport</a>. The Hammers stand to lose Marko Arnautovic to China if their valuation is met and are in search of a replacement at striker. Balotelli would fit the bill and choose to go there, as he has six months remaining on his deal, but seems likely to land at Marseille at this late stage. &nbsp;

West Ham make late Balotelli offer

Bournemouth have announced the signing of Wales international defender Chris Mepham from Brentford. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">A big welcome to <a href="https://twitter.com/c_meps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@c_meps</a> 👏 He's signed a long-term deal with the club! ✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afcb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#afcb</a> 🍒<a href="https://t.co/T3vd037CYM">https://t.co/T3vd037CYM</a>— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1087757166285590529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> The 21-year-old joins the Cherries for a reported fee of £12 million ($16m).&nbsp;

Bournemouth land Mepham from Brentford

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has agreed terms with&nbsp;Middlesbrough and is set for a medical, reports <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11614687/john-obi-mikel-having-medical-with-middlesbrough-ahead-of-move" target="_blank">Sky Sports News.&nbsp;</a> The 31-year-old has spent two years with Chinese side Tianjin TEDA after leaving Chelsea in 2017.&nbsp; Mikel spent 11 seasons with Chelsea after joining the Blues in 2006.&nbsp;

Mikel having medical at Middlesbrough

The Houston Dynamo's Alberth Elis has been subject to an approach from West Brom, according to <a href="https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-west-brom-make-approach-to-sign-5m-valued-mls-attacker/" target="_blank">Football Insider</a>. The Honduras international is valued at £5 million ($6m) by the club, who is reluctant to lose him amid interest from Celtic and Fenerbache as well as the Championship side. West Brom hope Elis can help fuel their promotion hopes, and believe he would qualify for a work permit through a special talent dispensation.

West Brom targeting Houston's Elis

Manchester United are growing more confident they will be able to tie up extensions for David de Gea and Anthony Martial, according to the <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-encouraged-by-contract-talks-with-anthony-martial-and-david-de-gea-a4045926.html" target="_blank">Evening Standard.</a> There has been a recent breakthrough in talks with Martial over a new five-year contract, while De Gea also wishes to stay, though he may demand wages of&nbsp;£300,000-a-week to agree a deal. United chairman Ed Woodward wants the deals concluded before the summer as he plans a major upheaval at the club which includes hiring a director of football and permanent manager.

Man Utd confident of securing De Gea and Martial deals

Jose Antonio Reyes has completed a move to Spanish Segunda Division side&nbsp;Extremadura, it has been confirmed. The 35-year-old former Sevilla and Arsenal star joins on an initial loan deal but will likely make a permanent switch at the end of the season. Reyes had been playing in China's second tier with&nbsp;Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard but spent just six months with the club before sealing a return to Spain.

Ex-Arsenal star Reyes joins second tier side

Stuttgart midfielder Ebenezer Ofori has returned to NYCFC on loan for the season. The 23-year-old Ghana international spent 2018 with the American side and became a key player in their MLS campaign. The club have confirmed they have brought him back for another temporary spell with an option to buy him at the end of the year. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="nl"> New York City FC re-sign Ebenezer Ofori from <a href="https://twitter.com/VfB_int?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VfB_int</a> for the 2019 season 🖊️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheCity</a> READ ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/cvpoVIOD3K">https://t.co/cvpoVIOD3K</a> <a href="https://t.co/imZeOUkoiC">pic.twitter.com/imZeOUkoiC</a> — New York City FC (@NYCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFC/status/1087726676367290373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">22 januari 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stuttgart's Ofori re-joins NYCFC

Tottenham should forget about Andy Carroll and target Edin Dzeko as the man to replace the injured Harry Kane, so says Micky Hazard. The London side were linked with a shock move for West Ham striker Carroll after learning star man Kane will be out for months. However, Hazard believes Roma star Dzeko would be a better option and is confident the Premier League side could convince him to return to England. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/forget-carroll-spurs-should-sign-dzeko-kane-cover-suggested/smn3x4sodo2u179t3e1n33iir" target="_blank">Read the full story here</a>

Tottenham urged to sign Dzeko to replace Kane

Sporting CP and Reading have had a breakdown in negotiations for defender&nbsp;Tiago Ilori,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/semana-decisiva-para-tiago-ilori?ref=Detalhe_Ultimas" target="_blank">Record</a> reports.&nbsp; The Portuguese side want to sign the 25-year-old from the Championship club this month, but they cannot agree a fee. Reading do not want to let him go and are&nbsp;€3 million from the Primeira Division side, who are not willing to go above €2m at the moment.

Sporting CP & Reading stall in Ilori talks

Bernardo Silva says he is happy at Manchester City and open to signing a new contract with the club. The winger is rumoured to be wanted by Champions League holders Real Madrid, despite only joining the Premier League club in 2017. Even though he is contracted to the club until 2022, he says he would consider committing to the club for even longer if he were offered a new deal. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/silva-open-to-new-man-city-contract-as-he-shrugs-off-real-madrid-/1w3lfksbes8711n9ifgzskxpgm" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal</a>

Silva open to new Man City deal despite Real rumours

Rafael Benitez has threatened to leave Newcastle unless they make two signings in the January transfer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/22/rafa-benitez-will-leave-newcastle-summer-unless-club-sign-new/" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a>&nbsp;claims. The Spanish coach is desperate for new additions to help his side in their battle against relegation from the Premier League and demanded the club bring in at least two players this month. But with the window set to close in nine days, Benitez has no confidence that the club will bring in any of the players he suggested and will make this his final season in charge of Newcastle if they do not invest in the squad.

Benitez to leave Newcastle over lack of signings

Mario Balotelli is expected to arrive at Marseille on Tuesday to complete a transfer to the Ligue 1 side,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.laprovence.com/actu/en-direct/5335303/mercato-om-balotelli-attendu-cet-apres-midi-a-la-commanderie.html" target="_blank">La Provence</a>&nbsp;reports. After a deal between the two parties broke down in the summer, Marseille have kept in touch for months to negotiate a January transfer. And the constant rumours about the Italy international's future appear settled as he will complete his move this week and could feature against Lille on Friday.

Balotelli to sign for Marseille on Tuesday

Barcelona remain “moderately optimistic” regarding their chances of landing Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, claims <a href="https://as.com/futbol/2019/01/22/primera/1548157986_373650.html?m1=cG9ydGFkYV9wb3J0YWRh&amp;m2=QmFyY2Vsb25h&amp;m3=MQ%3D%3D&amp;m4=bm9ybWFs" target="_blank">AS</a>. The Netherlands international is a long-standing target for the Liga giants and they are hoping that rival interest from the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain can be fended off.

Barcelona still hopeful on De Jong

Arsenal would be willing to part with Aaron Ramsey before the January window closes if they put other deals in place, reports <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-james-rodriguez-denis-suarez-aaron-ramsey-juventus-premier-league-video-epl-a8740391.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>. If the Gunners can push through loan agreements for Denis Suarez and James Rodriguez, they would then be prepared to let a player running down his contract link up with Juventus.

Ramsey could still leave Arsenal in January

Galatasaray have passed up the chance to make a move for Stoke forward Saido Berahino, according to <a href="https://www.aksam.com.tr/spor/fatih-terimden-3-forvet-oyuncusuna-veto/haber-815213" target="_blank">Aksam</a>. The 25-year-old has struggled for form in England for some time, but will not be offered the chance to start afresh in Turkey.

Galatasaray pass on Berahino

Chelsea have warned Callum Hudson-Odoi that he faces seeing even less playing time at Bayern Munich than he does at Stamford Bridge. The <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-warn-callum-hudsonodoi-he-risks-playing-even-less-at-bayern-munich-a4045461.html" target="_blank">Evening Standard</a> claims that the Blues are stepping up their efforts to keep the highly-rated forward after receiving four bids from the Bundesliga champions.

Chelsea sound warning to Hudson-Odoi

Arsenal's search for a new technical director could lead them to Roma's Monchi, claims <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-sven-mislintat-monchi-james-rodriguez-denis-suarez-premier-league-video-a8740476.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>. The Gunners are in the market for a successor to outgoing head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, with a fresh face being sought to oversee transfer business at Emirates Stadium.

Monchi in Arsenal frame

Kevin-Prince Boateng's move to Barcelona will no doubt go down as one of the most bizarre transfers in history. But how does his loan switch from Sassuolo to Camp Nou compare to previous surprise deals? Goal&nbsp;takes a look at the biggest shock transfers in the history of the game.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/boateng-to-barcelona-the-16-most-bizarre-transfers-in/173g8jmaz1mdw1fv1nvhxwimfx#1ijolmhngeknm1o3kkoxnwq4m8" target="_blank">Click here to see the full list</a>

The most bizarre transfers in history

Newcastle have set their sights on signing Martin Terrier from Lyon, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Newcastle-rafael-benitez-veut-martin-terrier-lyon/980206" target="_blank">L'Equipe</a>. The Premier League side are monitoring the 21-year-old, who can play up front or on the wing, and have asked Lyon about his availability. Rafael Benitez's team have been told the attacker is not for sale this month, while Lyon are also reluctant to let him go on loan this month.

Newcastle eye Lyon's Terrier

Barcelona pulled off one of the shock transfers of the season when they lured Kevin-Prince Boateng to Camp Nou. The 31-year-old joined the Catalan side on loan for the rest of the season to add cover to their attacking opttions. Boateng has spent the majority of his career as an attacking midfielder, but his time at Sassuolo saw him shifted to a 'false nine' role. That change has seen him emerge as a completely different player, which may result in him getting a chance to shine alongside the already established Barcelona stars. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/how-shock-barcelona-signing-kevin-prince-boateng-has-been-reborn-/1j2i3wtd3lfqz1fmay6gd88ewy" target="_blank">Read all about how Boateng was reborn as a false nine on Goal</a>

How shock Barca signing Boateng was reborn

West Ham are among the Premier League clubs keen to snap up highly-rated Sunderland striker Josh Maja, according to the <a href="https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-afc-transfer-news-live-west-ham-middlesbrough-and-german-trio-in-talks-over-josh-maja-cats-eye-three-signings-1-9549917" target="_blank">Sunderland Echo</a>. The 20-year-old will cost around £4 million ($5m), with the Hammers prepared to loan the youngster back to the Black Cats for 18 months if they are allowed to buy into his potential.

West Ham want £4m Maja

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson to take the managerial reins at Manchester United on a permanent basis, claims <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-united-transfer-news-next-manager-pochettino-solskjaer-ferguson-director-of-football-a8738551.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>. The Norwegian is currently in interim charge of the Red Devils, with Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino still a top target for those at Old Trafford.

Ferguson supports Solskjaer appointment

Atletico Madrid would welcome the opportunity to add Hector Herrera to their ranks this summer, according to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fichajes/20190122/454040083172/mercado-fichajes-futbol-ultima-hora-hoy-directo-online.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>. The Mexico and Porto midfielder is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and has attracted interest from leading sides across Europe.

Atletico eyeing Herrera move

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">ℹ️ Przy Cichej wstępnie zaakceptowano ofertę wykupu Mateusza Bogusza złożoną przez Leeds United F.C. Czekamy na projekt umowy transferowej. <a href="https://t.co/09Ynx3WnCU">pic.twitter.com/09Ynx3WnCU</a>— Ruch Chorzów (@ruchchorzow1920) <a href="https://twitter.com/ruchchorzow1920/status/1087668418323595265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Leeds have offer accepted for Ruch Chorzow star Bogusz

Liverpool are being tipped to move out a lot of their “deadwood” at the end of the season. Former Reds striker John Aldridge has told the <a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/anfield-change-fueling-liverpools-title-15711690" target="_blank">Liverpool Echo</a>: “Jurgen Klopp might look to move on three or four in the summer.”

Summer exodus at Anfield?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">🚨 OFICIAL | El <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Celta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Celta</a> apuntala su defensa con la calidad y solidez de <a href="https://twitter.com/wesleyhoedt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wesleyhoedt</a>. Welkom! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenvidoHoedt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenvidoHoedt</a>— RC Celta (@RCCelta) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCCelta/status/1087658686879883265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Celta snap up Hoedt from Saints

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">✍🏿 Hoş geldin <a href="https://twitter.com/dembabafoot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dembabafoot</a>. <a href="https://t.co/eGLl7BF8Lz">pic.twitter.com/eGLl7BF8Lz</a>— İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibfk2014/status/1087664864850526210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Demba Ba has a new club

Besiktas have held talks with the agent of Brighton's Jose Izquierdo as they seek a replacement for Ricardo Quaresma, <a href="https://www.takvim.com.tr/spor/2019/01/22/q7nin-yerine-jose-izquierdo" target="_blank">Takvim</a>&nbsp;reports. Quaresma has expressed his desire to leave the Turkish side, prompting a hunt for a new winger in January. Izquierdo has emerged as a viable candidate and Besiktas are confident of signing him in January as the initial talks with his representative went well.

Brighton's Izquierdo wanted as Quaresma replacement

Gelson Martins looks set to leave Atletico Madrid this month, but his destination remains unclear. The winger has made 12 appearances since his summer switch from Sporting CP and is already edging towards the exit as the capital club await Alvaro Morata's arrival. <a href="https://as.com/futbol/2019/01/21/primera/1548110018_193966.html?m1=cG9ydGFkYV9wb3J0YWRh&amp;m2=QXRsw6l0aWNvIGRlIE1hZHJpZA%3D%3D&amp;m3=MQ%3D%3D&amp;m4=bm9ybWFs" target="_blank">AS</a>&nbsp;reports the Premier League is the most likely destination for the 23-year-old and is his preferred route, with Arsenal the team leading the race. However, there have already been offers from Italy, while Monaco are still interested in him too.

Serie A & Premier League clubs to fight for Gelson

Celta Vigo have confirmed the signing of Wesley Hoedt from Southampton. The Dutch defender joins the Spanish side on loan for the rest of the season, with Celta holding an option to buy him on a permanent deal at the end of the season. Hoedt featured 13 times in the Premier League this season but was dropped upon the arrival of new coach Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Wesley Hoedt joins Celta

Benjamin Pavard has already sealed a deal to join Bayern Munich in the summer, but the transfer could be moved up to January, going by a report in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transferts-benjamin-pavard-arrivee-anticipee-au-bayern-munich/980123" target="_blank">L'Equipe</a>.&nbsp; It was announced earlier this month that the Bundesliga side triggered the France international's&nbsp;€35 million (£31m/$40m) release clause to sign him at the end of the season. The Bavarian side had been pushing to get him this month instead but Stuttgart were not willing to let their star man go. Now that they have signed a replacement in Ozan Kabak from Galatasaray, they may be willing to let Pavard go this month.

Pavard can make early switch to Bayern Munich

Juventus are confident of signing Matteo Darmian from Manchester United this month, but must wait on another transfer going through first. <a href="http://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/calciomercato/2019/01/22-52372834/juventus_darmian_aspetta_il_via_libera_e_glielo_deve_dare_spinazzola/?a=2" target="_blank">Tuttosport</a>&nbsp;claims the Serie A champions are hoping to offload&nbsp;Leonardo Spinazzola to free up a place in the team for the Italy international. Spinazzola, 25, is expected to join Bologna on loan for the rest of the season as the two clubs have already reached an agreement, while Juve already have a deal in place to land Darmian from United.

Juventus waiting on go-ahead to sign Darmian

Barcelona have raised their offer for Ajax star Frenkie de Jong in a last-ditch attempt to convince him to choose them over Paris Saint-Germain. The 21-year-old midfielder has been coveted by both European giants as well as Manchester City and looks set to make a decision on his future this week. PSG have moved ahead in the race to sign De Jong and are set for further talks, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ccma.cat/catradio/alacarta/el-club-de-la-mitjanit/esperant-de-jong-oriol-domenech-el-barca-ha-apujat-molt-loferta-per-al-jugador-i-per-al-club/audio/1027182/" target="_blank">Catalunya Ràdio y Esport3</a>&nbsp;reports that Barca have made another appeal to him and improved their offer as they await his announcement.

Barca increase De Jong offer as decision looms

Brighton are seeking to tie up a £7 million ($9m) move for Argentinos Juniors midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, claims the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6617229/Brighton-ready-spend-7m-Argentinos-Juniors-midfielder-Alexis-Mac-Allister.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. The deal proposed by the Seagulls will see the 20-year-old remain in his homeland on loan until June.

Brighton to splash out £7m on Mac Allister

Manchester United form part of a growing number of clubs keeping a close eye on PSV forward Steven Bergwijn, reports <a href="https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/3051885/manchester-united-heeft-bergwijn-op-de-korrel" target="_blank">De Telegraaf</a>. The 21-year-old Netherlands international has shown himself to be a useful goalscoring option from the flanks, with his efforts attracting interest from across Europe.

Man Utd among those considering Bergwijn bid

West Ham are prepared to part with Marko Arnautovic, but the <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/westham/west-ham-transfer-news-marko-arnautovic-will-not-be-sold-in-january-can-leave-summer-a4044596.html" target="_blank">Evening Standard</a> says no sale will be sanctioned until the summer. The Austria international forward has attracted interest from China, but no move will be made during the winter transfer window.

Arnautovic to see January move blocked

Leeds are lining up an approach for Swansea winger Daniel James, reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-ready-move-top-13887961" target="_blank">The Mirror</a>. The Wales international could cost the Whites as much as £5 million ($6m), but he is considered to be a top target and a man who could aid an ongoing push for promotion.

Leeds looking to land £5m winger

Arsenal are considering a move to land Juventus goalkeeper Emil Audero as a free agent this summer, reports <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/arsenal-piace-audero" target="_blank">Gianluca Di Marzio</a>. The 22-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and is seen by the Gunners as a potential replacement for Petr Cech - who is set to retire.

Arsenal eyeing Audero

Vincent Janssen may be about to follow former Tottenham team-mate Mousa Dembele to China, claims <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8248896/tottenham-vincent-janssen-transfer-china/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>. The out-of-favour Spurs striker has snubbed a loan switch to Sevilla and is holding out for a permanent move, with his current club looking to generate £5 million ($6m) from a sale.

Janssen lining up China move

Sunderland are set to reject an approach from Cardiff for Josh Maja, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8248340/sunderland-reject-josh-maja-offer-cardiff/">the Sun</a>. The 20-year-old forward has scored 16 goals this season, but is out of contract this summer. He rejected an initial offer from Sunderland, but the club is still hoping to convince the forward to stay on with the club on a new deal.

Sunderland reject Cardiff approach for Maja

Paris Saint-Germain remain in the hunt for Napoli midfielder Allan, according to <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/psg-continuing-their-push-for-napolis-allan">Gianluca DiMarzio</a>. Napoli are asking for double PSG's initial offer of €50-60 million plus bonuses, signaling a large distance between the clubs when it comes to negotiating. Leandro Paredes of Zenit remains an option for the Ligue 1 club, the PSG remain big admirers of Allan as a future key piece of the club.

PSG continue chase for Allan

D.C United has signed homegrown midfielder Antonio Bustamante, <a href="https://www.dcunited.com/post/2019/01/21/united-sign-antonio-bustamante-homegrown-contract?utm_source=social&amp;utm_medium=Twitter">the club announced</a>. Bustamante joins the club from William &amp; Mary while becoming the 10th homegrown signing in team history. The midfielder scored 34 goals and recorded 17 assists in in 68 appearances.

D.C. United sign Bustamante

Agent Pini Zahavi is pushing for Leonardo Jardim to join Lyon to succeed Bruno Genesio, according to<a href="http://Leonardo Jardim to Lyon to succeed Bruno Genesio"> L'Equipe</a>. Jardim departed Monaco earlier this year as the club struggled to start the season, prompting the club to turn to Thierry Henry. Zahavi has proven an influential figure at Lyon, having facilitated the transfer of Moussa Dembele from Celtic while also being involved with Tanguy Ndombele and Nabil Fekir.

Agent Zahavi pushing Jardim to Lyon

Mario Balotelli is an option to replace Kevin-Prince Boateng at Sassuolo following the Ghanaian forward's move to Barcelona, according to <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/sassuolo-in-search-of-boateng-replacement-defrel-caprari-and-leon-are-options">Gianluca DiMarzio</a>. Nice have offered Balotelli to the Serie A side, who are considering the chance to bring him into the club. The other option is Gianluca Caprari of Sampdoria, although he does not appear to be available in January.

Balotelli an option to replace Boateng at Sassuolo 

Newcastle have been offered Milad Mohammadi as the club searches for options at left back, according to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6617149/Newcastle-offered-Milad-Mohammadi-Akhmat-Grozny.html">the Daily Mail</a>. Paul Dummett is the only left back in the squad, but has missed the last four matches with a hamstring issue. Mohammadi is currently part of Iran's squad at the Asia Cup.

Newcastle offered Mohammadi 

Chelsea&nbsp;are ready to join Manchester United in the battle to sign Bristol City starlet Antoine Semenyo, according to <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelsea-enter-race-man-utd-13889334">the Mirror</a>. The 19-year-old winger is currently on loan at League Two side Newport and has scored six goals this season. Manchester United have been scouting him for several months, and Chelsea have now joined the race with a recent approach.

Chelsea and Man Utd to battle over Bristol City teen

Genoa and Juventus are in talks regarding winger Marko Pjaca, according to <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/genoa-pjaca">Gianluca DiMarzio</a>. Juventus are open to selling the winger, who is currently on loan at Fiorentina, and are awaiting approval from the player himself. Pjaca joined Juve in 2016 and was previously loaned out to Schalke to close the 2017-18 season.

Genoa and Juventus in talks over Pjaca

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January transfer window news & rumours LIVE: Arsenal ask about James loan | Goal.com

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond